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The Complete Guide to NFA Items in 2026: New Rules, Rising Trends, and What Gun Owners Need to Know

Shooter firing a suppressed SBR on the range, demonstrating an NFA item with a rifle-mounted suppressor.

The tax stamp is going away Jan 1, 2026—here’s everything you need to know about NFA items, the purchase process, legal changes, and the industry trends shaping the future.

 

Introduction

With the passing of the One Big Beautiful Bill, the world of NFA items is about to change in a massive way. Beginning January 1, 2026, the $200 tax stamp for suppressors, SBRs, SBSs, and AOWs is officially removed.

But what does this actually mean for gun owners, FFLs, and first-time buyers?
What about the lawsuits?
Will the ATF process change?
Will suppressors be easier to get?
Are shortages expected?
Should you buy now—or wait for January?

This guide answers every major question, clearly and thoroughly.

What Exactly Are NFA Items?

NFA (National Firearms Act) items—also called Title II items—include:

  • Suppressors

  • Short-Barreled Rifles (SBRs)

  • Short-Barreled Shotguns (SBSs)

  • Any Other Weapons (AOWs)

  • Destructive Devices

  • Machine Guns

The tax stamp elimination only applies to suppressors, SBRs, SBSs, and AOWs.
Machine guns and destructive devices still require the tax.

What Changes on January 1, 2026?

This is the part most people misunderstand.

– The NFA is NOT repealed.

– Registration is NOT eliminated.

– Background checks and paperwork are NOT removed.

+ Only the $200 tax is removed.

+ All NFA items in these categories now cost $0 to register.

This means you still must:

  • File a Form 4 (transfer) or Form 1 (build)

  • Submit fingerprints

  • Submit photos

  • Complete the responsible person questionnaire (if using a trust)

  • Wait for approval

  • Receive an official NFA registration document

The process remains—but the tax burden disappears.

Why Some People Are Still Concerned About Lawsuits

There are several ongoing lawsuits challenging the NFA’s foundation.

The core argument from multiple lawsuits is simple:

If the NFA was justified by a “tax,” and the tax is now $0, is the entire registration scheme unconstitutional?

If a federal court agrees, major parts of the NFA could be struck down later.

What this means for buyers:

  • You still register your items like normal after Jan 1

  • If the lawsuits succeed later, owners could be grandfathered

  • Some or all items may become deregulated

  • ATF may need to restructure the entire registry

For now, you must follow the existing NFA process—but the future is uncertain.

How the NFA Purchase Process Works After January 1, 2026

Even with the tax going to $0, the process remains mostly identical.

Step 1: Choose Your NFA Item

Choose a suppressor, SBR, SBS, or AOW from your dealer.

Step 2: Complete the NFA Application

This includes:

For Individuals

  • Form 4 or Form 1

  • Electronic fingerprints

  • Passport photo

  • Background check

For Trusts

  • Trust documents

  • Responsible Persons

  • Fingerprints + photos

  • RPQ forms

Step 3: ATF Approval

The ATF still:

  • Runs background checks

  • Reviews paperwork

  • Updates the NFRTR (NFA Registry)

  • Issues an approval document

Good news:

With the tax eliminated, ATF approval times are expected to drop dramatically.

Projected 2026 processing times:

  • eForm 4 Individual: 45–90 days

  • eForm 4 Trust: 90–180 days

  • eForm 1: 1–14 days

Step 4: You Pick Up Your Item

The dealer releases it only after receiving ATF approval.

Should You Buy Now or Wait Until Jan 1, 2026?

This depends on the buyer.

Buy now if:

Wait until 2026 if:

  • You want to save $200 per item

  • You don’t mind waiting longer

  • You plan to buy multiple suppressors/SBRs

Many buyers are doing a mix: buying their “must-have” item now while saving bigger purchases for after the tax removal.

Are More People Buying NFA Items Right Now?

Yes—NFA demand is skyrocketing.

Current trends include:

  • Suppressor sales have surged massively in the last three years

  • ATF NFA applications have climbed past 1 million annually

  • Consumer interest is expanding beyond tactical shooters

  • Hunters and everyday shooters are now major purchasers

  • Low noise + safety benefits are widely recognized

  • The upcoming tax removal has created huge anticipation

Suppressors have become mainstream.

Is There an Expected Inventory Shortage?

Yes — and it has already started.

Factors contributing to shortages:

  • Demand is already at record highs

  • Many buyers are waiting for January

  • Manufacturers are increasing production but still behind

  • Supply chain challenges persist

  • Retailers are selling out faster than they restock

Suppressor inventory is projected to be tight throughout 2026, especially in the first half, as buyers flood the market to take advantage of the $0 tax stamp.

The most likely items to run short:

  • 5.56 and .30 cal suppressors

  • Modular suppressors

  • Lightweight titanium options

  • Quick-detach mounting systems

  • PDW-length SBR uppers

  • Popular models from Dead Air, Rugged, SilencerCo, SIG, HUXWRX, B&T

If you sell NFA items, stocking up ahead of January will be a major competitive advantage.

What Happens to the ATF Wait Times?

Two opposite effects will collide:

1. Eliminating the tax reduces processing workload.

2. A massive surge in customers increases workload.

Most industry experts predict:

  • Early 2026 will see longer wait times

  • Mid-to-late 2026 will see faster approvals than we have today

  • 2027 may see record-low wait times

In other words:
Expect chaos early, speed later.

What Happens If the NFA Gets Struck Down?

If courts later rule the registry invalid:

  • Registered owners will likely be grandfathered

  • New purchases may no longer require registration

  • ATF may need to rewrite federal guidance

  • Dealers could sell suppressors over the counter like firearms

  • SBRs/SBSs may become simple 4473 items

This would be a massive shift.
But until that happens, the full NFA rules still apply.

Conclusion: The NFA World Is Changing—Be Prepared

The removal of the $200 tax stamp on January 1, 2026 is one of the biggest firearm-policy shifts in a century.

Even though the NFA remains in place, the financial barrier is eliminated, making NFA ownership more accessible than ever.

For buyers and dealers alike, 2026 will bring:

  • Higher demand

  • Inventory shortages

  • Lower costs

  • Faster approvals

  • Bigger market competition

  • Potential legal upheaval

  • More first-time NFA owners than ever before

This is the perfect time to educate customers, stock smart, and prepare for an unprecedented surge in the NFA marketplace.

 

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